Murder Ińmortal: (A Fona Macaw Mystery Book 1)

by P.D. Underhill

Elemental Magic ☼ Southwest Themes"Part magic, part mystery, Murder Ińmortal is a poisonous and enchanting potion that holds you hostage beyond the very last page." - Sue Alcon O’Connor, author of The Bone ShelterWhat does an ironically aging immortal herbalist, a Native American justice seeker, and a struggling antique store owner have in common with overgrown chickens (aka the dinosaurs)? Only the magic of mythical geology holds the key!After a long absence, Fona Macaw returns to her hometown of Cedar Springs, only to have her life tragically altered. Seriously injured after a rock- climbing accident, she suffers another blow after her husband's abandonment. Alone, she strives to keep her life and business from unraveling, but now the rent at Main Street Antique and Flea is going up!Chaos ensues when Fona stumbles upon a lifeless body at the town's famous hot springs and has a disturbing psychic vision that links the victim to an elusive Native woman lurking somewhere in the woods. Worse, the mountain town Sheriff is quick to blame Beans - a teenage girl with a keen interest in medicinal plants- of murder.In a charming community full of gossips, Fona recruits Steve, an arrogant reporter, to unravel the clues to clear Beans’ name. As her visions increase in intensity, she seeks out Rue, owner of Ute Creek Herbs, to decipher how ancient secrets and murder collide before she becomes the next victim.

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2023

Reviews

[Robyn Meissner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book I picked up in Salida, Colorado at the downtown bookstore. It’s written by a local author and I really enjoyed it!

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

PD Underhill weaves a captivating story based in Cedar Springs, where Fona Macaw faces personal, community, and universal challenges. From her rock-climbing accident to her husband's abrupt exit from their marriage, Fona struggles to maintain her antique store amidst the chaos. The discovery of her landlord's dead body at the hot springs turns the town upside down. When the sheriff blames a high schooler working for the local herbalist, Fona steps up to solve the murder. Her effective detective techniques aren't magic--but something in this small town is...

[Joan Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read a book that is touted to have magic in it I expect more than was in this book. However it was entertaining and definitely had a twist of being the mad character whom you never suspected. He put a concoction to sicken Jazzie but it backfired and her mother died instead. A whole list of things lead up to it. In the meantime Fona finds that she has powers beyond her wildest imagination. But this comes at the very end of the book. Fun but not what I was expecting.

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done! The author brings to life the day to day small town, rural Colorado, while weaving in magical realism, love stories, geology and a major mystery. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Lindsay Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Murder Immortal charming and fun! I live in a small mountain town and could completely relate to and find delight in Fona, the other characters and the places she visits.